Comprehensive Pool & Spa Maintenance Handbook

Total alkalinity, measured in parts per million (ppm) of carbonates and bicarbonate salts, provides a stabilising influence on pH in pool water.

Controlling total alkalinity is essential for an effective treatment programme. Most pools require an alkalinity level of 80 to 120 ppm, though this may be adjusted up to 150 ppm for specific sanitation processes or surface types.

Low Alkalinity
Low alkalinity causes pH to fluctuate dramatically with small amounts of adjustment chemicals.

High Alkalinity
High alkalinity increases acid demand and contributes to scaling in pool water if the pH is also high.

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of pool water and is influenced by factors such as temperature, chemical additions, rain, and user contamination. A pH test indicates when chemical adjustments are necessary.

Maintaining pH control is crucial for water treatment, as it allows chlorine to achieve maximum efficiency and sanitisation.

High pH reduces chlorine efficiency and contributes to scaling, while low pH causes corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment and can irritate eyes and skin.

Hardness in pool water is measured in parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate. Maintaining the correct calcium level is crucial to prevent the water from becoming corrosive if the level is too low or forming scale if it is too high.

Low calcium levels cause the water to re-balance naturally by absorbing minerals from the pool surface, which can damage plaster and cause pebbles to come loose from aggregate surfaces.

For pebble, tiled, concrete, painted, or marble pools, a calcium level of 200 to 400 ppm is recommended. For vinyl or fibreglass pools, the recommended range is 150 to 250 ppm.

Sanitisation involves eliminating bacteria and organisms in pool water to ensure it is safe for use. This is typically achieved by adding chlorine or producing it using salt and electrolysis.

While other sanitisers such as ozone gas and UV are available, they are less common due to cost and availability. Salt water chlorination remains the most common & effective method.

Depending on water conditions, maintaining a free chlorine level of 2.0 to 4.0 ppm is necessary for safe recreational use.

Sodium Hypochlorite: 10%-13%, known as ‘liquid chlorine’ or bleach has a short shelf life and high pH.
Calcium Hypochlorite: 65%-70% granular chlorine, produces a low percentage of insoluble calcium and has a high pH.
Lithium Hypochlorite: 35% granular chlorine, fully soluble, suitable for spa pool sanitation.
Sodium Dichlor: 56%-60% stabilised chlorine, fully soluble with a low pH value.
Sodium Trichlor: 90% available chlorine, hard-pressed tablet, slow dissolving, fully soluble with very low pH. Suitable for floats, feeders, and skimmer application.
Sodium Chloride: Granular pool salt, fully soluble, used in a dilute solution, produces a chlorine compound through electrolysis.

Chlorine, the most widely used sanitiser, is highly susceptible to loss when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. A pool stabiliser, such as cyanuric acid, is added to the water to protect chlorine from UV degradation, ensuring it remains active and controllable during daylight hours.

The recommended stabiliser levels are between 35 and 50 ppm.

Filtration is the process of removing impurities and particulate matter from water by passing it through a porous material or filter.

Clean, healthy pool water is achieved through proper water balance, sanitisation, and effective filtration.

Water contains microscopic algae spores and organisms that can grow rapidly in sunlight if not treated. These, along with other debris such as dust and leaves, are removed by passing the water repeatedly through a filter.

Common types of filters used in swimming pools are:

• Glass
• Sand
• Cartridges
  

These filters effectively remove solids and achieve high water clarity, but they require proper sanitisation and oxidation for the best results.

Clear and sparkling water indicates good filtration and treatment, while turbidity or cloudiness suggests inadequate filtration, poor sanitisation, or incorrect water balance.

For optimal filtration, it is recommended that the entire volume of pool water passes through the filter up to twice per day in summer, typically taking approximately six hours. Pools may require additional filtration time to to allow for chlorine production or a high bather load.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of filters are essential for their optimal performance.

Testing pool water involves analysing its chemical composition to ensure a safe and healthy swimming environment. This includes checking the water balance, residual sanitiser, and other support chemicals.

Visually clear and clean water generally indicates good water quality, but this can only be confirmed through proper testing. Simple kits are available for basic water testing, particularly for chlorine and pH levels. Free chlorine must be maintained in sufficient quantity to handle changing demands, and pH should be kept between 7.2 and 7.6 to ensure chlorine effectiveness. Regular pH control also contributes to water clarity and bather comfort.

Pool owners should perform these two simple tests at least once per week and adjust levels accordingly. Additionally, monthly testing by a pool service professional is recommended for alkalinity, hardness, stabiliser, salt, total dissolved solids, and other relevant factors.

1. Half-fill a bucket with water and carefully measure the acid, avoiding fumes and spillage.
2. Add the acid directly to the water and mix well.
3. Evenly distribute the acid solution over the pool surface.
4. Filter for at least two hours before swimming.
5. Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6 for user comfort and improved chemical effectiveness.
6. Avoid adding other adjustment chemicals until the acid is fully dispersed.

1. Add 1 litre of acid per 55,000 litres of pool water each day for every 10 ppm reduction required.
2. Filter thoroughly and test the pH before each addition.
3. If the pH is lower than 7.2, delay adding more acid until the pH stabilises.

Evenly distribute the alkalinity increaser over the entire pool surface and filter for at least two hours.

For Concrete, Plaster and Tiled Surfaces
Maintain an alkalinity level between 80 ppm and 125 ppm.

For Vinyl, Fibreglass and Painted Surfaces
Maintain an alkalinity level between 125 ppm and 150 ppm.

Dilute with tap water that has a lower hardness value or use a sequestering agent for an effective reduction.

Add 500 grams of hardness increaser per 50,000 litres of pool water for every 10 ppm increase needed. Broadcast one-third of the required dose evenly over the pool surface and filter thoroughly. Add the remaining doses in thirds, at least eight hours apart.

WARNING: Stabiliser should not be used in indoor pools or spas.

1. Clean the filter and remove all debris from the pump and skimmer baskets.
2. Pre-dissolve the powder in a bucket of water, then slowly add the slurry to the skimmer box with the filter running.
3. Filter continuously for at least eight hours to dissolve the stabiliser into the pool.
4. Do not clean or backwash the filter for at least four days after adding the stabiliser.
5. Do not broadcast stabiliser granules directly into the pool, as etching could occur.

WARNING: Add no more than three bags of salt per 50,000 litres of pool water at any one time. We recommend only adding a purefine or fast dissolving salt.

1. Disconnect the automatic cleaner.
2. Turn the chlorinator off or down and commence filtering.
3. Clean the filter and remove all debris from the pump and skimmer baskets.
4. Pour salt directly into the pool and brush until fully dissolved.
5. Filter continuously for at least eight hours to dissolve the salt into the pool.
6. After filtering for at least four hours, reconnect the cleaner and restart the chlorinator.

Sanitation, the process of consistently and effectively killing bacteria and other harmful organisms in pool water, is crucial for maintaining a safe swimming environment.

Regular testing and maintenance of chlorine levels between 1.5 to 3.0 ppm, or the equivalent level of an alternative sanitiser, are essential. It's important to note that changing weather conditions, bathing load, or heavy contamination can increase chlorine demand, necessitating a higher chlorine input.

Oxidation is the process of breaking down organic contaminants and swimmer waste in pool water, ensuring a clean and clear swimming environment.

Regular shock dosing, or oxidation, of organic contamination and swimmer waste is recommended to prevent pool water problems. This should supplement an established sanitation programme to ensure the sanitiser can focus on keeping the water safe and healthy daily.

Oxidisers and shock treatments are pre-packed for convenience, fully soluble, and designed for regular or weekly use.

A single glass of water contains millions of algae spores, invisible to the naked eye. When exposed to sunlight and a suitable food source, these spores can proliferate rapidly, mutating into common green, black, and mustard strains seen in pools today.

Heavy chlorine dosages might eliminate common algae forms by bleaching and burning them, but more resistant strains generally require a specially formulated algaecide for long-lasting eradication and control.

An algaecide is a chemical treatment specifically designed to kill algae. Algaecides penetrate the algae cell structure, starving it of nutrients, resulting in a long-lasting and controllable kill. Different algaecides are available for individual algae strains and should be used as recommended. Using chlorine and algaecides together will achieve the best treatment results.

The primary role of a filter is to remove solids and greases from pool water. Normal cleaning processes, such as backwashing or hosing, help remove these contaminants. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to chemically clean the filter or cartridge at least twice a year (or more often depending on load) .

Grease and oil tend to cling to individual grains of sand or woven fabric, making them difficult to remove through backwashing or hosing alone. To dissolve and remove these substances, a strong alkaline compound is needed. Special cleaning compounds, suitable for all types of filters, are available and recommended for this maintenance procedure.

The skimmer box is designed to remove floating debris from the pool and serves as the main vacuum point for the pool pump. The water level should be maintained at approximately ¾ of the skimmer entrance height, allowing the weir door to provide efficient skimming action.

The pool pump is the heart of a swimming pool, drawing water through the skimmer basket to remove leaves and large debris, and then collecting smaller debris within the pump basket. This continuous process circulates filtered water throughout the pool, ensuring efficient chemical distribution and cleaner operation.

Pump and skimmer baskets should be cleaned regularly to maintain full water flow. Blocked baskets can easily split under strong vacuum pressure, causing leaves to clog suction lines or pump impellers, which then require servicing or expensive repair.

As part of regular maintenance, lubricate the pump lid ‘O’ ring with silicone grease (do not use a petroleum based product such as Vaseline).

Water leaking below the pump body indicates a faulty mechanical seal or body gasket, which could cause pump or motor damage. A high-pitched whine from the motor usually signals bearing failure. Both issues should be repaired immediately by a pool service professional.

A sand or glass filter multiport valve (MPV) contains a gasket that directs water flow to perform various filter functions. Although it typically lasts several years, it can deteriorate or loosen with age, leading to leakage through the waste line or the return of unfiltered water to the pool. Similar issues can arise from a lack of lubrication of the valve shaft 'O' ring, located within the valve's top seal plate.

Valve maintenance should be performed by a pool service professional.

1. Turn off the pump and open the air-release valve on the filter lid. Allow the water to drain from the tank.
2. Loosen the clamping band and remove the filter lid to expose the cartridges.
3. Lift the cartridges out of the filter tank and clean them with a strong jet of water being careful not to damage the pleats.
4. Once clean, reinstall the cartridges into the tank.
5. Ensure the gasket or ‘O’ ring is clean before fitting and clamping the filter lid back in place.
6. Turn the pump back on and allow the air to be expelled from the air-release valve until water flows.
7. Close the air-release valve. The filter is now ready for normal operation.
   

WARNING: Cartridge filters are pressure vessels. Exercise care when fitting the lid and clamp it securely.

Hot water conditions and heavy bathing loads will require more frequent cleaning of filter cartridges.

Cartridges should be chemically cleaned every six months to remove oils, grease, and scale from the fabric. This will extend the cartridge's life. Filter-cleaning compounds are available for this procedure.

WARNING: Do not mix with chlorine or other chemicals. Wear the appropriate PPE when handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Powerful alkaline cleaning compounds are available for dissolving and removing grease, oils, suntan cream, and body fats from a sand filter, extending the media's life and efficiency.

These are also excellent for soaking filter cartridges.

Note: If the filter is installed below water level, ensure the pump inlet valve is open for the first backwash, closed for treatment, and reopened for the second backwash before returning to normal filter operation.

Procedure

1. Determine Sand / Glass Capacity:

• Establish the correct sand / glass capacity of the filter (total kilos). Measure 2 grams of filter cleaner for each kilo of sand / glass.
• Mix 150 grams of filter cleaner per 10 litres of water (e.g. 300 grams in 20 litres of water).

2. Directions:

• Backwash the filter for two minutes, switch off the pump, and move the valve handle to the "Rinse" position. Close the pump inlet valve if fitted.
• Remove the pump lid.
• Switch the pump on, then add the pre-mixed solution directly into the pump hair and lint pot until a foamy or coloured discharge appears at the backwash valve sight glass, indicating complete saturation of the filter media bed. Switch off the pump immediately when this occurs.
• Refit the pump lid and allow the filter to stand overnight.
• The following morning, return the valve to the ‘Backwash’ position. Open the pump inlet valve if fitted, switch the pump back on, and carry out a complete backwash and rinse procedure before returning to normal filter operation.
  

Filter cleaning is recommended twice yearly for optimal filter performance.

1. Fill a plastic container (tub) with a suitable quantity of water.
2. Add 300 grams of filter cleaner per 20 litres of water and mix until dissolved.
3. Hose down the cartridge, then immerse it in the solution, ensuring all surfaces are fully covered.
4. Soak overnight and remove the following morning.
5. Hose down the cartridge again to remove dissolved solids.
6. Refit the cartridge to the filter and commence normal filter operation.

Note: Filters should be chemically cleaned every six months to remove oils, grease, and scale from the fabric, extending the filter's life.

Seek professional advice if unsure of the cleaning procedure.

Note: Cleaning the filter will be necessary when the pressure gauge reaches 50 kPa above the clean start-up pressure or a maximum of 110 kPa.

1. Clean the pump and skimmer baskets, and turn off the salt chlorinator before backwashing.
2. Check the water level after backwashing and top up the pool if the level is low.

Multi-Port Valve Operation

1. To select each valve function, depress the handle and rotate it.
2. Turn off the pump and rotate the valve handle to "BACKWASH."
3. Turn on the pump and backwash until the sight glass is clear (approximately 2 minutes).
4. Turn off the pump and rotate the valve handle to "RINSE".
5. Turn on the pump and run for approximately 10-20 seconds.
6. Turn off the pump and return the valve handle to ‘FILTER.’
7. Turn on the pump. The filter is now clean and ready for the next filter cycle.

Recirculate
Allows water to return to the pool without passing through the filter.

Backwash
Agitates the filter media allowing built-up dirt and debris to be discharged from the filter. Recommended to be done once every month in summer depending upon conditions.

Rinse
Cleans the MPV of any filter media and dirt that has been agitated during the backwash process. If not done after a backwash dirty water will be pushed back to the pool once the filter is returned to normal operation.

Waste
Allows water to be pumped directly to the drain/ soakwell without passing through the filter. This setting is suitable for reducing the water level or vacuuming dirt and debris directly from the pool without it passing through the filter.

Note: Vacuuming to waste reduces the water level quickly, so the pool may require topping up afterwards.

Closed
For maintenance purposes only. The pump must not be switched on in this position.

Multi-Port Valve Maintenance
The valve will require servicing if the handle is stiff and difficult to move or if water is being lost through the backwash line during normal filter operation.

Remember to use a silicone-based lubricant for all filter ‘O’ rings, as Vaseline will cause the rubber to deteriorate faster.

A salt cell, also known as a salt chlorinator cell, is a device used in saltwater pools to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, helping to keep the pool water clean and sanitised. Any build-up of calcium on the plates of the salt cell will diminish it's performance and be indicative of the cell not performing as it should.

Salt cells come in various configurations. Depending on the make, the entire unit may need to be removed from the cell housing for immersion in a separate cleaning container.

Alternatively, the entire cell might need to be removed by undoing barrel union nuts.

Calcium exists in all pool water in varying amounts, and electrolysis causes it to form hard crystalline deposits known as scale on cell plates.

If the scale is not removed, it reduces the chlorinator's chlorine production and can obstruct water flow through the cell housing. The cell's age can also affect the extent of scale buildup and its efficiency in chlorine production.

Cell cleaning compounds are recommended. They are a blend of select acids and buffers that efficiently and safely remove scale from cell plates. Alternatively a mild dilute acid solution will dissolve the calcium noting of course that any acid soluton is corrosive!

Additionally, adding a scale inhibitor chemical will help reduce the severity of calcium scale buildup on any surfaces.

1. Turn off the pump and close any valves to avoid water loss.
2. Remove the cell electrodes or the entire cell.
3. Use a wooden or plastic probe to remove as much scale as possible from between the electrodes.
4. Fill a cell-cleaning container with the pre-mixed solution and immerse the cell plates, ensuring full coverage.
5. Soak the cell plates and replace the cleaning solution whenever activity ceases, until the cell is completely clean. The solution will bubble when active. If the complete cell housing is removed, cap one end and stand it vertically but securely. Pour the cleaning solution into the cell to activate. Replace the solution when activity ceases until the cell is clean.
6. Once clean, reinstall the cell into the return line.
7. Open the valves and restart the pump.
8. Check that the chlorinator is producing satisfactorily, and adjust the salt level to the specified concentration if necessary.
9. Clean the cell regularly for maximum chlorinator performance.

Adopting a regular maintenance routine is essential for optimum water quality and sanitation. Using a reliable testing kit ensures that the correct parameters are achieved and maintained. The recommended levels will remain consistent for most spa water conditions.

Establishing the correct parameters for pH, alkalinity, and hardness measures the amount or activity of minerals in the spa water. Use a suitable measuring device for all chemical additions, and be careful to avoid overdosing.

Maintain alkalinity between 125 ppm and 150 ppm. This range buffers pH and measures the presence of bicarbonate salts.

Keep the pH level between 7.4 and 7.6. This slightly alkaline range enhances the sanitiser's effectiveness and ensures comfort for users.

Maintain a calcium hardness level of 150 ppm to prevent corrosion or scale formation. This measures the amount of calcium salts in the water.

Measure the free chlorine or bromine levels in the water to ensure consistent bacteria elimination and oxidation of bather contamination. The recommended sanitation levels are 2.0 to 3.0 ppm for chlorine and 4.0 to 6.0 ppm for bromine.

The filtration cycle in a spa depends on maintaining water clarity and temperature settings, requiring at least three hours of filtration daily.

Longer cycles may be necessary depending on conditions and usage. Properly treated and maintained spa water should be clear, and odour-free, and should not cause skin irritation.

Add 18 grams of Alkalinity and a pH increaser per 1000 litres of spa water to raise the alkalinity by 10 ppm. Mix thoroughly and retest the water to ensure the correct adjustment has been achieved.

Partially drain the spa and refill it with water that has a lower total alkalinity. Alternatively, add up to 10 grams of Dry Acid per 1000 litres of spa water to lower the alkalinity by 10 ppm.

Alkalinity and pH increasers have a pH of 8.3 and will raise the pH when added. Use 18 grams per 1,000 litres of spa water. Test the water after each addition, as alkalinity will also increase correspondingly.

Add up to 10 grams of Dry Acid per 1000 litres of spa water. Filter for 1 hour, then retest the water before making any further additions.

Add 10 grams of Hardness increaser per 1000 litres of spa water to raise the calcium hardness by 10 ppm. Mix thoroughly and retest the water to ensure the correct adjustment has been achieved.

Dilute the spa water with fresh water or empty the spa and refill it with water that has lower calcium hardness.

A wide range of specialty chemicals and accessories are available to enhance bather comfort and maintain spa pool equipment.

Get in touch with your spa service provider to find out more.